PITTSBURGH — Veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is back with a familiar quarterback — and in a new city with a very specific role to earn. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday that they have signed Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad, reuniting him with former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers, who joined the team after a midseason trade.
For Valdes-Scantling, the move isn’t just another roster stop. It’s a reunion that brings comfort, chemistry, and opportunity.
“It feels like home,” he said shortly after his first practice in Pittsburgh. “I’ve played a lot of football with Aaron. There’s trust there. There’s timing. There’s communication. Getting the chance to build on that again — that’s exciting.”
Valdes-Scantling spent four years catching passes from Rodgers in Green Bay, where his deep-threat speed made him a valuable part of the Packers’ vertical passing attack. He later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and played a key role in their postseason success, including the run to Super Bowl LVII. Now, with Pittsburgh looking to stabilize and expand its passing game, his familiarity with Rodgers gives him an inside track to a larger role.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised the signing, noting that experience and versatility were major factors in the decision.
“He’s been in big games. He knows what it looks like,” Tomlin said. “He’s a vertical guy, he can stretch the field, and there’s something to be said for bringing in a player who already understands the quarterback.”
The Steelers offense has been searching for reliable production behind standout receiver George Pickens. Injuries and inconsistency have led to weekly adjustments in the rotation, and Valdes-Scantling’s blend of speed, size, and familiarity could help unlock new spacing concepts.
Rodgers, meanwhile, expressed his approval of the move.
“MVS is a pro. He works. He competes. We’ve made a lot of plays together,” Rodgers said. “I’m glad he’s here.”
While Valdes-Scantling begins on the practice squad, the expectation is clear: he’ll have every opportunity to earn active roster snaps as he gets reacclimated to the system and builds rhythm in practice.
For now, he’s focused only on the process.
“I just want to contribute,” Valdes-Scantling said. “Whatever the role is — I’m here for it.”
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